BLOG TOUR: Venom by Fiona Paul (Review)

Genre:	Young Adult, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance
Publication.Date	September 30th 2012
Pages:	432
Published By:	Philomel |
Website	Fiona Paul |
	Venom on Goodreads
My review copy:	Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Where to get:

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

(Goodreads)

Quoted from an ARC. All the quotes will be checked against a final finished copy. 

“I know you want this as much as I do," he said. "You aren't going to report me. And even if you did, I'm inclined to think a night with you might well be worth imprisonment.”

“Falco's eyes widened in fake shock. "Well, then perhaps I should ask for a tour of the house." He grinned, clearly relishing Cass's embarrassment. "Can we start with your bedroom?” 

“Come on," Falco said. "I'll see you safely home to your fancy sheets. I'd say you need your beauty sleep, but it looks like you've been getting plenty.”

“If I had your body, I'd stare at it for hours. Days, maybe.”

Sometimes Cass wished she could throw herself into the lagoon, feel the cool water on her skin as she swam away to freedom. But she couldn't swim. She was weighed down, drowning; her whole life was pulling her under.

     Set in Renaissance Venice, Venom is a fabulous YA historical fiction and one that I instantly fell in love with. Blending together romance, mystery, family drama and lush historical setting, Fiona Paul weaves a compelling and highly addictive plot line full of thrilling events and dangerous encounters. Featuring mutilated corpses, secret societies, a mysterious (and seductive) artist and a steaming romance that is just as exciting as it is forbidden, Venom is a phenomenal beginning to a new and gorgeously imagined YA series. 

     What an absolutely fantastic read! I devoured it in just one day! Venom is full of delicious kisses and steamy love scenes. The chemistry is almost unbearable (in a good way!). Paul's descriptions are amazingly detailed and they're sure to make you blush. If you're a kissing enthusiast you will love this book! And the best part is, even though the characters are almost instantly attracted to each other (whether they admit it or not), the romance builds up at a very good, not-too-fast pace. Spiced up with danger and mystery, it's one of the most swoon-worthy books I've read this year. Hot!

     Venom's heroine is strong and that's a quality I always appreciate in characters. Engaged to Luca de Perega (an arranged marriage that has nothing to do with love and affection), she's a high-society girl who always has to look and behave flawlessly. Don't let that fool you though, Cass is the exact opposite of a pampered girl. She's down-to-earth, clever, modest, impetuous and very curious. Having lost both of her parents at a young age, she's emotionally mature, but also a little bit insecure and yearning for love. Personally, I thought she was a great character - easy to like and sympathize with, relatable, authentic. She isn't a flawless person, but one that learns and grows a lot as the story progresses. 

     Falco, oh Falco! What a gorgeous, swoon-worthy hero he is! Handsome, mysterious, funny, witty and just a tiny bit cocky, he's as charming as Casanova and as romantic as Romeo. He's bold, brave and quite unpredictable. Girls beware, this guy will steal your heart! 

     I loved everything about this book. The historical setting was vivid, beautiful and mesmerizing (and obviously well researched). The characters didn't feel like characters at all, they felt real and convincing. The plot line was surprisingly unique, often scary and scandalous, full of romantic tension, fast-paced and dream-like. Paul's attention to details - from the 16th century Venetian gowns, corsets, braided hair, gorgeous jewellery and expensive fabrics to vibrant social life, customs and masquerade balls - was simply stunning. I loved every single page of this book and would recommend it to everyone. It's a must read not only for fans of historical fiction and suspenseful mysteries, but for anyone who appreciates skilful world building and excellent prose.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

About the Author

Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.

She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.

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